How to write a conclusion for a research paper?

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Mya Ali

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Alright, I need some wisdom here. Just got feedback that my research paper's conclusion "lacks impact." I thought I was supposed to summarize my findings, but apparently there's more to it? How do you all approach writing conclusions that actually leave an impression?
 
Ah, the classic summary trap! Many students treat conclusions like an afterthought, but they're actually your final opportunity to show why your research matters. Think of it as answering three key questions:
  1. What have we learned?
  2. Why does it matter?
  3. Where do we go from here?
It’s also a good place to briefly revisit your thesis—not just restate it, but show how your findings support it. This helps tie everything together and gives a sense of completion. Think of the conclusion as your last chance to guide the reader’s understanding and leave them with a clear impression of your work’s relevance.
 
I like to imagine I'm explaining my findings to someone outside my field at a conference. They don’t need every detail—just the big picture and why it matters. That mindset helps me avoid just repeating what I’ve already said and instead focus on the value of the research.

Sometimes I even draft my conclusion like I’m writing a summary for a department newsletter—clear, brief, and centered on why the work is interesting or useful. Then I refine it into the tone and style my paper actually needs.
 
As a STEM researcher, I'd caution against getting too philosophical though. Our conclusions need to stay tightly tied to the evidence. I usually keep mine practical:
  • A brief restatement of the main findings
  • Acknowledgment of any limitations
  • A few concrete next steps or applications
It’s also helpful to clarify what your data does not show. That way, you're not misleading readers into thinking you’ve solved more than you actually have. That kind of transparency adds weight and makes your research more trustworthy:cool:.
 
@DataQueen That’s interesting because in humanities, we often use conclusions to reflect on how our thinking changed over the course of the work. It’s not so much about giving final answers—it’s about showing how the research process deepened or complicated our understanding.

In fact, some of the most memorable conclusions I’ve read didn’t try to wrap things up neatly at all. Instead, they offered a shift in perspective, or left the reader with a thoughtful question that stays with them. That kind of conclusion works especially well when the topic itself is complex or open-ended.
 
Mya Ali said:
Okay, but how do you actually make it impactful? My professor said mine just fizzles out.
Click to expand...
Try ending with a clear implication, a short recommendation, or a question that invites further thought. Something that shows the relevance of your research beyond just the paper itself.

For example, if your work identifies a gap in the field, you could point out how future research might fill it. If your data supports a shift in policy, suggest what that shift could look like. And yeah—avoid starting with “in conclusion.” Just jump into it with a strong sentence that adds value.

Also, try echoing something from your introduction—a key term or a central idea. It can give the paper a sense of balance and cohesion.
 
Just be careful not to overpromise. I once had a paper rejected because my conclusion made the results sound more groundbreaking than they actually were. Reviewers will catch that quickly. Now I always double-check that my final paragraph reflects what the data truly shows—no more, no less.

That doesn’t mean your conclusion has to be dull. You can still emphasize importance, just do it responsibly. For example, say “these findings suggest a possible trend” rather than “this proves X.” That little shift keeps you credible.
 
Your conclusion is where you remind readers why your paper was worth reading in the first place. You’ve spent pages building up your case—now show how it contributes to a larger conversation. Even just a few sentences that connect your research to wider questions in the field can make it more compelling.

I also think it's a good place to flag unanswered questions. You don't need to solve everything, but if your research raised new issues, it's worth briefly noting them. That shows depth and awareness of the topic's complexity.
 
@Mya Ali Here's a helpful writing trick: Draft three quick versions of your conclusion—one that focuses on your results, one on implications or applications, and one that addresses limitations or challenges. Then blend them into one paragraph that hits all the right notes. It really helps balance the tone and content.

And don’t forget the audience. A conclusion for a journal article might be more technical and reserved, while one for a broader readership should be clearer and a little more direct. Ask yourself: What should my readers remember or do after reading this? That helps shape how you frame it:geek:.
 
This is gold! So, to summarize (ironically), I should:
  • Go beyond just summarizing
  • Revisit and reinforce the thesis
  • Reflect my field’s conventions
  • Be honest about limitations
  • Think about what the reader should take away
  • End with something purposeful—not generic
Thanks everyone—I’m actually excited to rewrite this now!
 
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